Topic: iPad 4

In one fell swoop, this fall's forthcoming iOS 11 update will mark the end of support for not only 32-bit apps, but also legacy 32-bit devices. That means owners still clinging to their iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and fourth-generation iPad will be left behind -- or forced to upgrade.

Despite reports to the contrary, there is no official Apple policy mandating that iPad 4 owners coming into Apple Retail for service receive an iPad Air 2 for the cost of service -- but stores have been allowed to make the swap if they have no service stock, and have been for some time.

As is normal with Apple beta releases, Apple has followed up a developer-only release of iOS 10.3.2 with one for public beta program participants -- but as with the initial release it still lacks a 32-bit binary.

With the release of iOS 10.3.2 beta, Apple is not offering iTunes restore images for 32-bit devices like the iPhone 5 and fourth-generation iPad, suggesting the forthcoming point update will mark a watershed for iOS.

While the rumored iPad Pro refresh has yet to happen, Tuesday's 9.7-inch form factor update serves as an affordable enticement to older iPad users from the iPad 2 to the iPad 4 to retire out-of-date equipment -- and to do it now.

Ahead of Apple's iPad media event on Thursday afternoon, AppleInsider has teamed up with the industry's two leading electronics trade-in & buyback services to offer readers an exclusive $20 cash bonus on the sale of their old iPad when they lock in a price quote today. The services are currently paying up to $405 for old iPads before the bonus.

Despite being fierce competitors and opponents in the courtroom, Apple and Samsung remain important partners, with Samsung reportedly supplying more than half of all high-resolution Retina displays for Apple's full-size iPad last quarter.

In re-launching the fourth-generation iPad with Retina display starting at $399 on Tuesday, Apple delivered a dramatic upgrade at that price point over the legacy iPad 2, with the company highlighting the improved cameras and enhanced performance it now offers at that price point.

Coming minutes after the 8GB iPhone 5c launched in the UK, Apple on Tuesday officially discontinued the iPad 2, replacing the long-standing entry-level tablet with a 16GB version of the fourth-generation iPad.

In another 16 markets, users of Apple's iPhone 5 and LTE-enabled iPads will now find that their devices are able to access much greater speeds, as AT&T has taken its 4G LTE coverage live in more areas across the U.S.

AT&T-based users of Apple's iPhone 5 and LTE-enabled iPads will soon find their data access speeds greatly increased in a number of markets, as the carrier announced on Tuesday the expansion of its 4G LTE network to 79 new areas.

After years of rumors, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is said to finally begin trial production of A6X chips for Apple's fourth-generation iPad this quarter, further marginalizing Samsung's role in Apple's supply chain.

AT&T this week announced that its high-speed 4G LTE network — compatible with Apple's latest iPhone 5, iPad and iPad mini — has launched in 15 new markets, and also expanded coverage in a handful of other locations.